Member for Falkirk East since 1992. Committees: Member, European Scrutiny Select Committee; Member, Information Select Committee; Chair, Parliamentary Group for the Chemical Industries; Chair, Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group; Member, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. Political career: Labour Party Scottish Executive 1983-92, 1981; Deputy Labour Leader, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities 1988-90; Council Leader 1980-90; Chair, Local Government Committee 1987-90; Stirling District Councillor 1977-90; EIS Council 1983-84; Central EIS President 1982-83; Parliamentary Candidate for Stirling 1983 and 1987. Special political interests: Film and tourism, economic policy, skills and training, youth and student policy, education and Scottish governance. Profession/Trade: Former teacher. Education: Stirling University; Jordanhill College; Glasgow University. Affiliations: Scottish Medical Aid for Palestinians since 1988; SEA Member; TGWU; EIS. Author of: various articles and pamphlets. Hobbies: Home, family, music, reading, walking.
b. 3 September 1947. Married with two children.